BEST BETS: Sunday 6/23

Before his solo career took off, trumpeter Rick Braun worked as a sideman, touring with pop stars such as Rickie Lee Jones, Sade, Tom Petty and many others. Now the bestselling smooth-jazz artist's schedule is filled with recording and concert dates of his own. This Saturday he blows through Temecula.

Rick Braun, Thornton Winery, 32575 Rancho California Road, Temecula,

4 p.m. Saturday. $40. (909) 699-3021.

all day Movies

Literary and cinematic influences from Shakespeare to "Star Wars" abound in a three-day Akira Kurosawa double feature at the New Beverly Cinema. Kurosawa, one of the uncontested masters of world cinema, adapted the Bard's "Macbeth" for his 1957 drama "Throne of Blood," set in the world of the samurai, and starring Toshiro Mifune and Isuzu Yamada as the murderously ambitious couple. "The Hidden Fortress," Kurosawa's raucous 1958 adventure about a feisty princess (Misa Uehara) and a loyal general (Mifune) on a perilous mission is acknowledged by George Lucas as a primary influence on his 1977 epic, "Star Wars."

Sometimes it's just great to be outside this time of year and any festival is a good enough excuse. The 82nd annual Swedish Midsummer Festival in Agoura Hills offers a taste of Swedish culture with food, songs, dancing and other activities. Meanwhile, Warner Park in Woodland Hills will host a free Blues Festival starring singer Linda Hopkins, the Hammer Smith Blues Band and Raging Sun. There will be food, children's activities, arts and crafts and other stuff.

In his brief U.S. tour, Alejandro Sanz plans to sustain the spirit of his latest album, an "MTV Unplugged" affair. With an emphasis on intimacy, the Spanish star and multiple Latin Grammy winner will perform with a scaled-down, 12-piece band.